- A new jetty and pontoon have opened at the top end of The Spit, at Main Beach
- The Palaszczuk Government invested $4.6 million into the combined 100 metre long jetty and pontoon
- The infrastructure is part of The Spit Masterplan implementation
For the first time ever, passenger ferries, recreational and commercial vessels will be able to pull up and drop visitors off, thanks to a newly-opened jetty and pontoon, at the top end of The Spit.
The new infrastructure is part of the Palaszczuk Government's ongoing commitment to The Spit and boosting tourism on the Gold Coast.
Delivered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), on behalf of the Queensland Government, the facility took 10 months to construct and used a Gold Coast-based contractor with three local indigenous subcontractors, and over 55 suppliers and subcontractors.
The pontoon will be managed by the City of Gold Coast with the same responsible boating conditions of other public pontoons in the city. It may also serve as an evacuation point in emergency situations.
The jetty and pontoon opening coincides with a new Recreational Opportunities Area created adjacent to the jetty and pontoon. As of Friday 31 March, the northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium will be reserved for non-powered watercraft, freeing up the space for passive leisure opportunities such as fishing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
A new waterways notice replaces the existing construction vessel exclusion zone. The Recreational Opportunities Area will be trialled for 12 months, and boaties are encouraged to review the new notice.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles
"The Spit offers a range of recreational, cultural, economic and social opportunities, and this precinct planning will be key to realising the future potential of those opportunities," Mr Miles said.
"The Spit is one of Queensland's best public spaces and is only reaching its full potential because the Palaszczuk Government saved it.
Preserving it and improving it is vital to promoting and improving tourism and liveability on the Gold Coast."
Quote attributed to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey MP:
"Marine Stadium is a fantastic family spot for a day out, but unfortunately the large number of vessels anchoring in the area is deterring people.
"The community feedback we've received for Marine Stadium has been overwhelmingly in support of improving access to the water by limiting the number of vessels anchored in this part of The Spit.
"This trial is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Marine Stadium outlined in line with The Spit Master Plan's (2019),"
Quote attributable to GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema
"The Marine Stadium jetty and pontoon was built with high-quality materials that will ensure locals and visitors can enjoy it for years to come.
"We congratulate local contractor Alder Constructions, for meeting the high standards set and for careful protection of water quality and the marine environment," he said.
